I'm planning a trip to Italy in a couple of weeks and was planning on using a "pay as you go" cell phone I picked up in Germany the last time I was in Europe. Does anyone have an idea if it will work as easily as unlocked North American phones appear to? Any different instructions required?
Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32220 posts
Rose, It's quite likely the phone will work fine in Italy. As you bought it in Germany, it's likely unlocked. You can check that by placing a Rogers or Telus SIM card in the phone. If that works and you're able to make a call, the phone is unlocked. However, it's very likely the German number has "expired" so you'll have to buy a new SIM for this trip. If you buy a SIM in Italy, I believe you'll need to obtain a Codice Fiscale and register using your Passport. You could also use a SIM card from one of the "travel phone" firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial, Mobal or EuroBuzz. You'll have to check each of their websites for rates and other details. I'm assuming the Charger supplied with your phone is fitted with the standard Europe two-pin Plug? Happy travels!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
It should work fine after you purchase a new SIM card for it. We purchased a cell phone in Italy and our son took it to Vienna for a study abroad and it worked fine after he bought a new sim card for it. He also used it on a week long trip to Krakow, Poland, purchasing a Polish sim card. I believe he could have continued to use the Austrian sim card but rates would have been higher using it in Poland.I usually just take one of my old cell phones which is an unlocked Blackberry Tour and purchase a SIM in the country I am visiting. Has worked very well.